Metastatic cancer to the lung

Metastatic cancer to the lung is cancer that starts somewhere else in the body and spreads to the lungs.

See also: Lung cancer

Alternative Names

Lung metastases

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Metastatic tumors in the lungs are cancers that developed at other places in the body (or other parts of the lungs) and spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the lungs. It is different than lung cancer that starts in the lungs.

Common tumors that spread to the lungs include:

Bladder cancer

Breast cancer

Colon cancer

Kidney cancer

Neuroblastoma

Prostate cancer

Sarcoma

Wilms tumor

However, almost any cancer has the ability to spread to the lungs.

Symptoms

Bloody sputum

Chest pain

Cough

Shortness of breath

Weakness

Weight loss

Note: In most cases, there are no lung-related symptoms when the tumors are found.

Signs and tests

The doctor or nurse will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests that may be done include:

Bronchoscopy to view the airways

Chest CT scan

Chest x-ray

Cytologic studies of pleural fluid or sputum

Lung needle biopsy

Surgery to take a sample of tissue from the lungs (surgical lung biopsy)

Treatment

Chemotherapy is usually used to treat metastatic cancer to the lung. Surgery isnt always done, because usually the cancer is in other parts of the bodynot seen by imaging tests. Surgery to remove the tumors seen on an x-ray is not likely to be helpful. However, surgery may be an option when:

The first (primary) tumor has been removed

The cancer has spread to only limited areas of the lung

The lung tumors can be completely removed with surgery

However, the main tumor must be curable, and the patient must be strong enough to go through the surgery and recovery.

Other, less common treatments include:

Radiation therapy

The placement of stents inside the airways

Laser therapy

There are other experimental treatments. One of these treatments uses local heat probes to destroy the area. Another places chemotherapy medicines directly into the artery that supplies blood to the part of the lung containing the tumor.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. For this condition, see cancer support group.

Expectations (prognosis)

A cure is unlikely in most cases. It is rare for someone to live more than 5 years with metastatic cancer to the lungs. However, the outlook depends on the specific type of primary cancer.

You and your family may want to start thinking about end-of-life planning, such as:

Palliative care

Hospice care

Advanced care directives

Health care agents

Complications

Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), which can cause shortness of breath

Fluid between the lung and chest wall (pleural effusion), which can cause shortness of breath

Further spread of the cancer

Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have a history of cancer and you develop: